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Crutchfield Demo Days: Focal Utopia headphones

Our moment of sonic utopia, thanks to Focal and TEAC

Jeff Miller

How did I earn the nickname "headphone guy" here at Crutchfield? Through extensive training, research, and good old-fashioned hands-on experience. I've spent thousands of hours listening to different models, and thousands more writing about them. My other areas of expertise include voice control, streaming audio and video, and power protection.

My love of headphones started back when I was in elementary school, and my parents gave me a Walkman. I still love the intimate, wonderfully detailed sound you can get from the right headphone setup.

I spent the first eight years of my Crutchfield career in our customer support department. Listening to thousands of customer stories gave me real-world insights into what makes people happy.

About Jeff

Started at Crutchfield in 2006

Completed our thorough in-house Advisor training, learning the details of every type of product we sell

Attends dozens of vendor training events each year

Travels to industry events like CanJam NYC and the Capital AudioFest

Interviewed some of the headphone industry's most accomplished engineers and product designers

Authored dozens of Crutchfield articles and hundreds of product presentations

Jeff's passion for headphones and his commitment to hands-on experience exemplify Crutchfield's mission to exceed our customers' expectations by providing an abundance of helpful information.

Heads up!

Welcome to this article from the Crutchfield archives. Have fun reading it, but be aware that the information may be outdated and links may be broken.

One cool perk of working at Crutchfield? A mind-blowing listening rig might just show up on your desk.

Focal stopped by Crutchfield HQ recently with a special treat. They lent us a pair of their super-premium — beryllium-infused —Utopia headphones, so that we could all take a test spin.

Our “demo days” team paired these high-end headphones with the powerful TEAC UD-503 headphone amplifier to create the ultimate personal listening experience. They marched this luxury listening rig around the building, dropped it on our desks, and told us, “Enjoy!”

Call it a spa or pampering day for those who are “seriously into audio.”

Here are a few of our reactions:

I've been listening to music with a critical ear for the vast majority of my 56 year-old life (including at a professional studio level), and I've never heard anything like the Focal Utopia headphones. The detail and dimensionality of the sound is astounding...While they don't replace a great set of speakers, they are unequaled in headphone performance.

Mike Sokolowski, Senior creative director (mobile)

They totally hold up to the hype. I listened to a few tracks by Big Wreck/Ian Thornley, because I knew they’d be well-produced. I think this was the best that these songs have sounded — second only to seeing them performed live back in February.

I separately listened to Beyonce’s Lemonade, and I really think this is how everyone should hear this album.

Tara W, Video production manager

I was struck by how heavy they were, but they felt relatively comfortable. Given the weight, the dual plugs into each earphone helps with balance. The sound was excellent – as good as I’d expect for the price. Wide soundstage with depth, punchy and well-defined bass. Very, very clear. They look and feel high quality.

Todd C, Chief e-commerce officer

When I'm learning drum parts for a new song, it can sometimes be challenging to pick out hi-hat parts and finer cymbal work. The Utopias resolve all that kind of detail incredibly well.

Comparing these amazing 'phones to my $200-ish on-ears, the dynamics can actually be startling at times, even with music I've listened to hundreds of times. Transient peaks jump out and make it seem all the more like you're "right there," in the middle of the musical performance space.